$1 million donated to HOTA from Bensons Property Group chairman Elias Jreissati AM

In what’s being described as an ‘extraordinary act’, $1 million has been donated to the HOTA gallery. Meet the man responsible.

The HOTA gallery is to benefit from a $1 million donation – the largest in its history – in what is being described as an “extraordinary act of philanthropy”.

The generous donation was given to the Bundall Rd centre by Bensons Property Group chairman Elias Jreissati AM.

HOTA are announcing they have received a $1million donation from longtime supporter of Australian arts and Chairman of BensonÕs Property Group, Mr. Elias Jreissati, and will be renaming Gallery 4 after the Jreissati family. Elias Jreissati and wife Colleen in the gallery. Picture Glenn Hampson

“Bensons Property Group has always been committed to giving back to the community from which it draws its success,” Mr Jreissati said.

“I am honoured to be able to make a small, but meaningful contribution to support a public institution which will enrich the fabric of this city for generations.”

HOTA are announcing they have received a $1million donation from longtime supporter of Australian arts and Chairman of BensonÕs Property Group, Mr. Elias Jreissati, and will be renaming Gallery 4 after the Jreissati family. Elias Jreissati and wife Colleen in the gallery. Picture Glenn Hampson

While Mr Jreissati said the $1 million was a small donation, HOTA chair Jackie Trad said it was an “extraordinary act of philanthropy”.

“The generosity of the gift is not only a testament to Mr Jreissati’s belief in the importance of art for our communities, but a validation of HOTA and our role in the growing cultural landscape on the Gold Coast,” she said.

Along with the donation Mr Jreissati loaned 31 works from his private collection, which will be open to the public to view from November 24 to February 5.

The showcase will feature some of Australia’s most recognised 19th and 20th century artists including Fredrick McCubbin, Arthur Streeton, Rupert Bunny and John Brack.

Gold Coast architecture HOTA Gallery, Surfers Paradise Architect: ARM Architecture Photographer: John Gollings

In recognition of the donation, Gallery Four will be named The Jreissati Family Gallery.

“Generosity comes from the heart and to see the Jreissati family make such an incredible philanthropic gift to our HOTA gallery is both inspiring and touching,” Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said.

HOTA are announcing they have received a $1million donation from longtime supporter of Australian arts and Chairman of BensonÕs Property Group, Mr. Elias Jreissati, and will be renaming Gallery 4 after the Jreissati family. HOTA deputy Chair Thea Jeanes-Cochrane , Elias Jreissati and wife Colleen with Mayor Tom Tate in the gallery. Picture Glenn Hampson

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